Times Square Hotels

If New York is the axis on which the worlds of culture, finance, and entertainment revolve, Times Square is its epicenter. From the hustle of the Port Authority to the manic bustle of Seventh Avenue, Broadway, and their East-West counterparts, Times Square is responsible for much of the dazzling vibrancy, the glowing energy that defines and lights New York from 42nd Street to Central Park South. The city stockpiles its Broadway theaters, best tourist attractions, and most mesmerizing advertisement in Times Square, with media companies and retailers all vying for prominence. It's a dizzing spectacle with skyscraping office buildings decked in wraparound news tickers.

Our Times Square Hotel Guide gives you information about:

• TV Tapings In Times Square
• Broadway Shows
• Comedy Clubs In Times Square
• Restaurants In Times Square
• Hotels In Times Square

TV Tapings In Times Square Times Square is well-known from its role as a backdrop in many television programs which film along Seventh Avenue and Broadway. Towards the north end of Times Square is the famous Ed Sullivan Theater, where the Beatles performed on American TV for the first time in 1964, and where The Late Show with David Letterman has taped since 1993. Closer to the center of things, ABC's Good Morning America also films in Times Square, across from the now iconic MTV Studios where Total Request Live was taped for ten years, bringing a familiar throng of screaming tweens to the west side of Broadway every weekday. The prohibitve cost of Times Square real estate, though, keeps many shows on the fringe of the historic area. To the west a few blocks, there's Comedy Central's The Colbert Report; north of the Ed Sullivan Theater at Columbus Circle, you'll find CNN Studios. And, of course, Rockefeller Center and NBC Studios, where Saturday Night Live, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, and more shows tape. Studio tours at CNN and NBC cost money, but TV tapings are generally free. Visitors can request tickets for a certain date through most networks' websites or wait outside the studio on the day of the show to try for standby tickets.

Broadway Shows New York's Theater District begins with Times Square, with many of Broadway's oldest and most prestigious theaters located either right on Broadway itself or a block down a side street. Theaters like the Ambassador and Broadhurst are also sure to have stunning performances going on, along with shorter-run houses like the legendary Lyceum Theatre. Shows open and close in accordance with reviews and attendance, so be sure to check what's playing in our Broadway section.

Comedy Clubs In Times Square New York is a factory for comedic talent, with the five boroughs each supporting their own scene. Times Square has a particularly strong grouping of comedy clubs, where some of the best wits in the world hone their craft and professionals do five-day stints on a regular basis. The most famous, of course, is Caroline's, north of Times Square Center, home to now-legendary performers like Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno and offering comedy all 365 days of the year. The HA! Comedy Club has an open mic and two separate showrooms featuring 4-5 comics per show (shows are generally ninety minutes). Their theater also offers burlesque shows, theatrical productions, tribute bands, and a host of other great bits of entertainment for those who find themselves laughed-out after a few sets. The Broadway Comedy Clubóthe rechristened New York Improvócontinues the Improv's tradition of offering some of the best stand-up comics in the industry, often people who've appeared on Letterman, Leno, and Comedy Central. The venue also features burlesque, an after-prom comedy show, comedy classes, and the venerable Chicago City Limits comedy show.

Restaurants In Times Square For family-friendly food in Times Square, you don't have to look far. Since the area caters mostly to the tourist set, there are the requisite chain restaurants like Applebee's and Planet Hollywood, but for a less generic meal, there's the midtown version of New York favorite Carmine's, with very simple and well-made Italian-American fare, or the famous theme restaurant Ellen's Stardust Diner, where traditional American food is served by a singing waitstaff. And, of course, for a real over-the-top theme experience, Mars 2112 brings a bit of the red planet to Times Square. The infamous Jekyll & Hyde Club is also just a short cab-ride from Times Square at Sixth Avenue between 57th & 58th Streets, which any kid will stand in awe of with their dreamy decor and spooky entertainment.

If you want something thicker to sink your teeth into, Times Square is swarming with some of the city's best steakhouses. There's Ruth's Chris Steak House, the art deco infused chophouse with private dining rooms and unbelievable cuts of steak, and the Prohibition Era Gallagher's, with their high-quality beef and in-house butcher who cuts the most mouth-watering selections of dry-aged steaks and prime ribs. If you want the beef without the hassle and price of a steak, you can dodge into Virgil's Barbecue for some real Southern-style food, but make sure you come earlier rather than later, as the place tends to swarm with people due to its popularity. Closer to Sixth Avenue, Le Parker Meridien's Burger Joint serves up considerably tastyóalbeit priceyóburgers in a kitschy-comme-tacky environment.

For elegant, classy dining, we'd suggest a trip to The Palm, just north of Times Square proper. Sumptuous steak and seafood that lives up to the fare at the original location's standards makes this a popular place for celebrities and theater-goes. Towards Central Park, Amalia offers seasonal Mediterranean/New American cuisine in a decadent setting of Baroque-inspired, very regal decor. There's also the immensely popular, critically acclaimed Ruby Foo's, with their trademark dim sum and sushi, in an elegant atmosphere that brings to mind palaces, with mah-jonng tiled walls and a massive, laquered "red gate"in the center displaying a treasure trove of Asian artifacts. Along with dramatic lightingóincluding Chinese lanterns replicated from that country's "Forbidden City"óand the energy of a Broadway window seat, Ruby Foo's is as much a theatrical experience as it is a meal.

Hotels In Times Square For those who want to be in the thick of the pulsing energy of Times Square, there are many hotels to choose from. Whether for the budget-conscious, the traveling business person, the touring family, or those looking for a no-expense-spared romantic getaway, here are NYC.com's recommendations for the best of Times Square hotels:

Ameritania Hotel The Ameritania Hotel is a first class, contemporary design hotel located in midtown Manhattan. The hotel is ideally located on the corner of West 54th Street and Broadway, just steps away from The Late Show With David Letterman at the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Central Park and Times Square are within easy walking distance, as well as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Bold, new design features are evident throughout the Ameritania's public areas and guest rooms. All of the hotel's guest rooms are richly appointed and radiate elegance and warmth, as well as thoughtfully equipped with amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. A lounge and a coffee shop are on the premises, and an adjacent health club is available for the guests' use. Complementing the fine location and superb accommodation is the unparalleled service that the hotel staff provides. The Ameritania is just steps away from fine dining, shopping and entertainment venues.

Amsterdam Court Hotel The Amsterdam Court is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 50th Street and Broadway. This hotel is situated in the historic Theater District, only four blocks from Times Square and eight blocks from Central Park. Subway access is available right on the corner, making all of New York just minutes away. The Amsterdam Court is a European style boutique hotel decorated in the chic Art Nouveau style, with lovely furnishings throughout right down to the polished and shined floors. The guest accommodations are bathed in subtle muted earth tones of moss and sienna. The unique furnishings supply the Amsterdam Court with a style all its own. The comfortable, restful setting will appeal to business and leisure travelers alike. The Amsterdam Court also provides all of the modern amenities that travelers of any kind have come to expect. The hotel staff is friendly, courteous and always helpful. The hotel is minutes to fine dining, shopping and entertainment.

Candlewood Suites Times Square Candlewood Suites New York City-Times Square guest suites feature 32-inch HDTVs with cable and phones with voice mail. Local calls and wireless, high-speed Internet access are complimentary. Guestrooms at this New York City hotel include kitchenettes with refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, stove, cookware/dishes, coffee/tea makers, and dishwashers. Hair dryers and irons with ironing boards are provided. Candlewood Suites hotel features a convenience store and a 24-hour fitness center. Computer access and copy, fax, and print services are available in the business center, giving the traveling business person everything they need to get work done while enjoying all the comforts of home.

Casablanca Hotel Inspired by the glamour and romance of the movie Casablanca, the success of this 48-room jewel exemplifies the traveling world's new romance with boutique hotels. The Casablanca captures the heart of its guests by offering a serene pocket of tranquility and grace, just steps away from the excitement capital of the world, Times Square. One of the highlights of the hotel is Rick's Cafe, where guests can relax and find entertainment and refreshment at any time of day. To help put the guests in the proper mood for the weekend, pianist James Newman entertains every Friday evening from 5-8 pm with a repertoire of selections that conjure images of the classic movie, Casablanca. An outdoor courtyard, the Blue Parrot, offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cigarette or cigar, should the memory of Bogie tempt you. All 48 newly renovated luxury rooms and suites are designed for comfort with meticulous attention to detail. Archways, ceiling fans,ornamental moldings, unique tapestries, paintings and murals are featured throughout the hotel. The Casablanca is a true oasis, ideal for those who appreciate sophistication and fine accommodations, and personal attention.

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan The Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan is located in the Theater District, adjacent to Times Square and Broadway. The hotel features silver etched columns of wood and stone, and the Samplings restaurant serves American cuisine while the Lobby Bar provides light snacks, cocktails and Starbucks coffee. Both dining options overlook the bright lights of Broadway! The hotel's 29,000 square foot health club and rooftop indoor heated pool with a glass ceiling are available for a fee. The hotel's 770 guestrooms offer views of the Manhattan skyline, with beds of highlighted white-on-white pinstripe duvets, six pillows and decorative scarlet accent pillows. Rooms feature complimentary wireless Internet access and video game consoles for a fee. In room safes are provided. Golden ochre tiled bathrooms offer massaging shower-heads, curved shower rods and magnifying makeup mirrors.

Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square If you are traveling with a family in tow, here is one of the better New York City hotel choices. Each of the 460 suites provides guests with comfortable luxury, featuring a living room, dining/work area and private bedroom. Standard in all suites are great amenities such as in-room safe, wet-bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker (complimentary coffee provided daily). You will also find in-suite high speed internet access, three phones, flat panel TVs, refreshments center, iron and ironing board. In short, the same Doubletree amenities you would expect elsewhere along with the roomy suites, right in the heart of Midtown.

Fairfield Inn Marriott Times Square Located on West 37th Street close to Fifth Avenue and the Empire State Building, this Fairfield Inn offers spacious guest rooms with a well-lit work desk, two phones and data ports. The hotel features free high speed Internet access, in-room coffee, in-room hair dryer, iron and ironing board. This hotel has a smoke-free policy, and offers comfortable guest rooms at a superior value for both business and leisure travelers.

Hampton Inn Times Square North This hotel boasts a multilingual, 24-hour front desk staff and concierge services. Guests are greeted with complimentary coffee and newspapers in the lobby. A hot, buffet breakfast is offered complimentary each morning, and for guest on the go, the hotel offers complimentary breakfast bags with a muffin, bottled water, fruit and a cereal bar. There is an on-site fitness center open 24 hours. All 300 guestrooms average 300-square-feet in size and offer 27-inch, flat-screen televisions with premium cable channels. Complimentary Internet access is available. Guestrooms are dressed in deep reds, woods and tans with contemporary styling. Each guestroom includes a coffeemaker. Guestrooms are equipped with in-room safes.

Hilton Garden Inn Times Square The Hilton Garden Inn Times Square offers a desirable location in New York City's Theater district, and within three blocks of the hotel, you'll find Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The Hilton Garden Inn offers spacious guestrooms with hospitality centers, including microwave ovens, mini-fridges and coffeemakers. High-speed Internet access and cable television are also provided. The Hilton Garden Inn Times Square provides complimentary newspapers and coffee on weekdays, and the hotel's casual French restaurant is open 24 hours per day. The lobby features an ATM, concierge desk and gift shop and convenience store. Meeting and banquet facilities are also available for events and gatherings. The on-site business center includes faxing and photocopying services. Additionally the hotel houses a fitness center.

Hilton Times Square Soaring 44 Stories above Manhattan, the Hilton Times Square offers guestrooms with sweeping vistas of New York City's famous skyline and the Hudson River. Works of fine art combined with modern interior decor and stunning skyline vistas are the hallmark of this new level of Hilton design and comfort. Built in 2000, this skyscraper features an intriguing Modernistic faÁade inspired by famed artist Piet Mondrian. Inside limited edition & original works of fine art (commissioned through the Public Art Fund) are fused with modern interior design and grace both public spaces and guest rooms. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Times Square, and is surrounded by Broadway theaters, famous department stores, lively nightlife, shopping, fine restaurants, and soaring midtown office towers.

Hotel 41 At Hotel 41 you will enjoy a great location, superior service and best value. Standard guest rooms are equipped with amenities to make your stay convenient and comfortable. Each room has an in room DVD/CD player, safe, color cable TV and internet access. With dedicated attention to detail, the hotel staff will professionally respond to all requests. At this boutique hotel, attention to detail includes such things as a signature welcome drink upon arrival, Belgian bed linens and Frette robes. For your convenience, a complimentary espresso/cappuccino/tea bar is open from 7am 4 pm. The bar also serves breakfast from 7am 11 am and dinner is available in the lounge from 5pm 12am. The Hotel 41 is minutes to dining, shopping and entertainment venues.

New York Marriott Marquis Times Square A modern luxury hotel featuring a 37-story atrium, the Marriott Marquis offers an array of spacious guest rooms, banquet and meeting rooms, recreational facilities and restaurants, including the View Restaurant, Manhattan's only rooftop restaurant and lounge. Located in the heart of Times Square, the hotel has its own 1600-seat Broadway theater, and is within walking distance of all major theaters. Come enjoy the razzle-dazzle of Broadway and the pulsating energy of Midtownóit's all here at the Marriott Marquis, a perennial favorite of leisure and business travelers alike.

Millennium Broadway Hotel The Millennium Broadway is a beautiful Art Deco hotel located in New York City's renowned Theater District, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Two blocks north of bustling Times Square and two avenues west of the glamorous Fifth Avenue shops, the Millennium Broadway is also only minutes to Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, and the Rockefeller Center. The unique design of this first class property allows the guest a myriad of choice and convenience split into two sections and joined by the Hudson Theater in the middle, the Millennium shares its block with a sister hotel, the Premier, and boasts a world class restaurant, "Charlotte."

Milford Plaza Built in 1928 and billed as the "Lullaby of Broadway," the Milford Plaza features a convenient location in the heart of midtown Manhattan. It is just around the corner from 14 Broadway theaters and only a short walk from Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park. While the location is ideal for many tourists, the Milford Plaza has resisted the upscale change taking place in its Times Square Neighborhood. The rooms may range from small to decent size, and the beds and linen adequate, and the hotel is perfect for the budget-conscious traveler.

Night Hotel Each of the Night Hotel's seventy guestrooms and two suites present the feel of private residences with sleekly sophisticated black and white dÈcor and furnishings. Designer office chairs accompany executive desks with complimentary wireless Internet access. Sleigh beds provide luxurious comfort dressed in 400-thread count Italian linens. The bathrooms glisten with crushed-glass tiling and designer toiletries. Less than one block from Times Square and with Broadway's many theaters within walking distance, this hotel's luxury extends even to its location.

The Paramount The Paramount Hotel is Ian Schrager and designer Philippe Stark's stylish gift to Manhattan. The Paramount boasts well-furnished, comfortable guest rooms that are adorned with the most modern, pop nuevo style furnishings, bold prints, and striking wall art. The state-of-the-art fitness center is unparalleled, and, upon request, the hotel offers a personal trainer and in-room massage services. The multilingual staff is eager to attend to your needs as they arise, with warm welcoming smiles. If indoor relaxation is more appealing to you, take advantage of the 24 hour room service and afternoon coffee and tea service. The hotel implies an unspoken rule that service is priority one. For your dining pleasure, the hotel boasts the Mezzanine Restaurant, the perfect setting for that quaint lunch or dinner.

Sheraton New York Hotel And Towers To relish the city that never sleeps, guests can't beat the central location of the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. The Sheraton's heart is the recently renovated lobby appointed with Italian marble, leather benches, plaid wing chairs and mahogany tables topped with blue and white porcelain jars. If guests want extensive amenities, they'll get them here: a business center with high-speed Internet access, a restaurant, bar, desk to buy theater tickets, and a fully equipped health club. What's more, guests may use the 50-foot, indoor swimming pool across the street at the Sheraton Manhattan Hotel. In addition to 24-hour room service, dining options include the glass-enclosed ambiance of Streeter's New York CafÈ, the relaxing domain of the local favorite Hudson Bar with its 30 TV monitors perfect for game viewing, or the sophisticated Library Bar with its mahogany paneling, luxurious red leather tub chairs, large mahogany bar, antique hand-knotted Persian rugs and polished nickel details. With 1,750 freshly renovated guest rooms, tall wood-and-leather headboards, dark wooden blinds, expansive desk space, ergonomic chairs and refrigerators, guests can't beat the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers.

The Time Hotel This completely modern contemporary hotel offers minimalist urban design with clean lines and polished edges. The unique design is typical of New York City loft living, renovated from its original 1926 design in 1999, the Time hotel's avant-garde furniture selection, set against large backgrounds, radiates simplistic elegance. The Time hotel is a treat to all of your senses, with guestrooms that are equally striking, each with their own styl. Every room is designed around one central theme whether it is a color, a chair or a lamp. The bathrooms in most superior rooms and some deluxe rooms feature a walk in shower in lieu of a bathtub. The standard rooms are compact with 140 square feet of room space. All guestrooms offer upscale modern amenities and bath products perfect for leisure or business travel.

W New York Times Square This is it: The Big Apple. Times Square. People everywhere. Hustling. Bustling. Welcome to the W, an oasis of calm in the midst of the flurry of a revitalized Times Square. Where you find sanctuary. From the moment you step inside, you will be transported to a peaceful environment. Quiet colors, calming textures and a dramatic glass-encased waterfall that soothes the senses. Lounge in the 6,000 square-foot promenade filled with intimate arrangements of white leather seating squares and streamlined hanging lamps. Glowing resin alcoves line the perimeter, in case you want a little more privacy. Where can you relax in the center of it all? Set foot into one of the 509 sleek ultra-modern guest rooms and experience all the creature comforts you would expect, from fluffy pillow-top beds to high speed Internet access. Feel the magic of Times Square right in the hotel, with delicious dining and live jazz at the Blue Fin, pulsating dance music at THE WHISKEY, and high-end shopping at W THE STORE.

Westin New York Times Square The multicolored, 45-story Westin Times Square Hotel is linked to the E-Walk entertainment and retail complex in Times Square, a block from Broadway shows and a half-mile from Restaurant Row. Graced by a curving beam of light that soars into the New York sky, this prism-shaped tower offers 863 guest rooms with bright contemporary furnishings, modern lighting, abstract art, and views of Manhattan. The Westin offers twice-daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service with the Westin's signature all-white Heavenly Bed, which consists of a pillowtop mattress, triple sheeting with 250-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, a down blanket, a comforter with a crisp-white duvet, and five goosedown pillows. Bathrooms have oversized combed-cotton towels and terry-cloth robes. The West also offers a stunning nine- story glass atrium, a business center, and a fitness center that provides massages and manicures. Be in the center of it all, here in the heart of Times Square! Convenient to Broadway theaters, great entertainment, restaurants and shopping.